Method and apparatus for the in-line impregnation of fibers with a non-aqueous chemical treatment

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for the in-line pre-impregnation of glass or synthetic fibers with a non-aqueous chemical treatment. The apparatus includes a first applicator for applying a curable, non-aqueous chemical treatment agent and a second applicator for applying a curing agent for the chemical treatment agent. The fibers are passed over the first and second applicators which are arranged either in parallel or in series, and are then joined by a gathering device to initiate curing of the chemical treatment agent on the fibers. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes a spray gun in which a mixture of the non-aqueous chemical treatment agent and curing agent are sprayed onto an applicator roll in contact with the fibers.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for the in-line pre-impregnation of glass or synthetic fibers with a non-aqueous chemical treatment comprising the steps of: a) supplying first and second sources of fibers;   b) applying a curable, non-aqueous chemical treatment agent from a first applicator to said first source of fibers;   c) applying a curing agent for said chemical treatment agent from a second applicator to said second source of fibers; and   d) gathering said fibers together in a gathering device from both sources, and thereby initiating curing of said chemical treatment agent.   
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 in which said curable, non-aqueous chemical treatment agent comprises an epoxy resin. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 1 in which said curing agen is selected from the group consisting of amines and acid anhydrides. 
     
     
       4. The process of claim 3 in which said curing agent includes a Lewis acid accelerator. 
     
     
       5. The process of claim 1 including the step of heating said fibers with said gathering device. 
     
     
       6. The process of claim 1 including the step of cooling said fibers with said gathering device. 
     
     
       7. The process of claim 1 in which said first source of fibers is a heated bushing for supplying streams of molten glass which are drawn into fibers. 
     
     
       8. The process of claim 7 in which said second source of fibers is a heated bushing for supplying streams of molten glass which are drawn into fibers. 
     
     
       9. The process of claim 8 in which said second source of fibers is an unwinding station for previously formed glass or synthetic fibers. 
     
     
       10. The process of claim 1 in which said first and second applicators are arranged in parallel position with a collar therebetween. 
     
     
       11. The process of claim 1 in which said first and second applicators are arranged in series.